Nainital (Uttaranchal)

Introdcution: Nainitalis a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foot hills of the outer Himalayas.

History: The Kumaon hills came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16), but the hill station town of Naini Tal was founded only in 1841, with the construction of the first European house (Pilgrim Lodge) by P. Barron, a sugar trader from Shahjahanpur. In 1846, when a Captain Madden of the Bengal Artilleryvisited Naini Tal, he recorded that "houses were rapidly springing up in most parts of the settlement: some towards the crest of the limitary ranges were nearly 7,500 ft (2,286 m) above sea level.The rugged and woody Ayarpatta was being gradually planted and that the favourite sites were on the undulating tract of forest land which stretched back from the head of the lake to the base of China and Deopatta (Camel's Hump).

Description:Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural speldour and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake, ringed by hills. Nainital has a varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital,Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital’s unending expanse of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.

Nainital Quick facts

Nainital Geography and Climate

Geography : In the Uttranchal, district of Nainital lies in the Kumaon division . To it's north is Almora district and to its south lies the Udham Singh Nagar district. Champawat district flanks it in the east and district of Pauri Gahwal is in the west. It is located approximately in between 80º14' and 78º80' east longitude and 29º00' and 29º05' north latitude. The total geographical area is 3422 Kms.

Climate : The weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. The temperature is not very high at any time but in winters it becomes very cold. The climate of Nainital is regulated by the lake here which showers rain almost every afternoon. The months of January to March are marked by the snowfall which is for a very short time.

Best time to visit Nainital

The weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. The best time to visit the place is between April to June and then again in September to October.

Nainital Orientation

The Mall runs along the northeast side of the lake. It is closed to large vehicles most of the year. On the southeast side of the mall is the area called Tallital, where the bus stand is located. Hotels are located in this area,along The Mall, and in Mallital area, which is to the northwest of the lake. Most of the higher-end hotels are located at a 10-minute walk west of Mallital.

Nainital Near Getaways

Ramgarh : It is located at a distance of 26 km from Nainital in Kumaon Division of Uttaranchal. Ramgarh is a serene hill station perched at an altitude of 1789 m above the sea level on Bhowali-Mukteshwar Road. Ramgarh is the perfect place for nature lovers, as you can gaze at the star-lit sky, marvel at the sunrise and sunset, admire the beauty of the mighty Himalayas and taste the Himalayan fruits. It is known for orchards of a variety of Himalayan fruits like apples, apricots, and peaches. The place was once the cantonment of the English army. All India Research Center for AnimalTreatment is also situated here. Rabindra Nath Tagore had composed some of his compositions at Ramgarh.

Nainital Distance(s)

Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. The total geographical area is 3422 Kms.

How to reach Nainital by Road

The U.P.S.R.T. Corporation provides direct buses to Nainital from Delhi, Lucknow and major cities of the state. Nainital is well connected by buses with other parts of the state. Inter state services are also available.

How to reach Nainital by Rail

The nearest railway station is that of Kathgodam which is connected by trains from Delhi and Howrah. The narrow gauge trains come from Lalkuan which is 55 kms from Nainital.

How to reach Nainital by Air

Nainital Festivals and culture

Nainital Festivals

Vasantotsav: Vasantotsav or spring festival is held every year at Ramnagar during the month of January-February. A large number of local people and tourists, including foreigners participate in the festival at Ramnagar which is a gateway of Jim Corbett Park, the wildlife sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh. The event reflects cultural activities of both Kumaon and Garhwal.

Nandadevi Fair: This fair is held in Nainital in the month of September every year. Among other things, a number of cultural programmes are organised on this occasion.

Hariyali Devi Fair: This fair is held at Bhimtal during July on the occasion of Harela. ie. Kark Sankrati.

Ranibagh Fair: This fair is held at Ranibagh, about 30kms. from Nainital on the occasion of Uttarayani every year. It has immense religious importance. A number of programmes are organised attract visitors.

Chhota Kailash Fair:This fair takes place in February every year on the occasion of Shivratri. This is a religious fair, and reflects the rich and varied culture and tradition of the area.

Garjiadevi Fair: This fair takes place around the Garjiadevi Temple in Ramnagar. A large number of people from nearby area turn up in this fair to have a darshan of Garjiadevi.

Nainital Mahotsaw: This fair is organised in Nainital in the month of October. Various cultural programmes, folk dances and folk arts are organised during this fair. A large number of people including foreign tourists visit this fair to have a glance of the local culture and traditions.

Holi Mahotsav :Holi Mahotsav is organised in Nainital with the cooperation of the local bodies. The festivities reflect culture and tradition of Kumaon.

Nainital Culture

The culture of the present Kumaon is a blend of influences from the indigenous population as well as from the immigrants to this region. Consequently, the myths, languages, folk literature, festivals, fairs and forms of artistic expression are examples of the creative influences of the different cultural groups that constitute Kumaon.

Nainital Religious Places

Naina Devi Temple: The charming hill resort of Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi. A temple dedicated to the deity stands here.

Garjiya Devi Temple: 14 kms. from Ramnagar, on the way to Ranikhet, is a huge rock in the midst of river Kosi. This place has been named Garjia Devi after the deity. The temple is visited by thousand of devotees from different parts of the state. A large fair is held here on kartik Poornima. Ramnagar is the last bus terminus, from where Garjia Devi Temple is 14 kms.

Seeta Bani Temple: About 20 kms from Ram Nagar is a place called Seeta Bani. Legend has it that Devi Sita, the consort of Lord Rama had entered into the lap of Mother Earth here. A fair is held here during Ram Navmi.

Nainital Monuments

Raj Bhawan: Raj Bhawan is the Government House of Nainital, which was founded in April 1897 and completed in March 1900. Built as per early domestic Gothic style of architecture, it boasts of pleasant and scenic surroundings.

Nainital Entertainment and Night Life

Nainital Adventure

Snow View : Situated at 2270 meters this popular vantage point is accessible by rope way. It offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges.

Naina Peak : Known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital. You can walk or take ponies to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak.

Horse Riding: Any visitor coming to Nainital cannot miss the joy of riding a horse on the Mall. Not only at the Mall but to reach the Snow view point, Tiffin Top, Kilburi from the Mallital area one can hire ponies and horses. You can go around the town riding the horse. In fact one of the ways to experience Nainital is on a horses back. The flora and fauna of the region can be closely watched from the horses back.

Nainital Trek :Encircling the lake venterated after the goddess of the same name, Nainital is the main hill resort in Kumaon. It has equable weather with the maximum and minimum temperature being 27 degree and 19degree in summer and 15degree and 0 degree in winter. April to june before the monsoon sets in is the season for flowers while the second season from September to mid-November is ideal for post monsoon freshness.

Nainital Nightlife

The only discotheque and bar in the town is in Manu Mahrani called the Viceroy. For those looking out for a night without liquor, a leisurely walk around the lakeside underneath the sparkling stars can also be a good experience. Close to Naina Devi Temple is the Rink Theatre, where you can roller-skate. Skates are available for hire here. You could hop over to 'Viceroy Bar' at Manu MaharaniNainital Hotelin Sukhatal for a sundowner. The bar offers great view of the mountain.

Kidding around Nainital

Zoo Gardens : Nainital has a small but a very beautiful Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here which includes Deer, Bears, Tigers and many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a point which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. This zoo is one of the most clean zoos in the country.

Ramgarh: Situated at an altitude of 1789 mts. on Bhowali- Mukteshwar road Ramgarh is known for a variety of Himalayan fruits and the spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. The famous poets Rabindranath Tagore and MahadeviVermahave praised the serenity of this place and composed their poems ' Geetanjali' and 'Sandhya Geet' here. Ramgarh also houses a fruit processing factory run by the Government.Mukteshwar: Situated at an altitude of 2286 mts. on Bhowali Devidhura road, Mukteshwar is a small hill station covered with a thick wooded forest and offers a majestic view of the Himalayas. Near Mukteshwar is a stone hole of Chauli Ki Jali, dedicated to Lord Shiva. On a moonlit light, the place offers a spectacular view of the sparkling town of Almora and the majestic peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the Chaukhamba Peaks of Garhwal. It is also famous for the hundred year old Indian Veterinary Research Institute campus.Harishtal and Lokhantal: These lakes are situated at a distance of 72 kms. from Nainital in the Okalkanda developments block near the village Gotia. The two lakes are at a distance of 1 km. from each other and both have a surface area of about 2 sq. kms. each.

Nainital Shopping

In Nainital the main items to be bought are, the woollen garments and decorative pieces made from wood. The decorative colourful candles are one thing every traveller to the place takes back with him. For the woollengarments ,the Bohtia Bazaar is the best place whereas the Mall road and the Mallital are places for good bargain of candles and wooden stuff.

Famous To Eat at Nainital

The Food of Nainital are simply as enticing as the City itself. One can find practically anything and evrything mouth watering when it comes to visiting the Restaurants. Starting from ice creams, juices and beverages, the range of restaurants serve gourmet foods, Chinese, continental and Pure Desi food. Try out Machan, Embassy or the Capri for its mouth watering dishes.

Nainital Museum and Hill Stations

The Folk Culture Museum at Bhimtal: The Museum of Folk Culture is situated at Bhimtal, a village 280 km to the north-east of Delhi (Nainital district of Kumaon hills), in the lap of the Himalayas, north of the Uttar Pradesh State in India. The museum is a private institution and is managed by its owner and director Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal,a painter of great fame and also anarchaeologist and a rock art scholar. The Museum has been founded to preserve the culture of Uttarakhand, the collective term that indicates eight hill districts of Uttar Pradesh State. In the Museum there are collections of folk paintings and ancient wooden artefacts,stone implements and other archaeological materials; reproductions and photographs of rock art.

Gardens and Parks at Nainital

Corbett National Park : 115 km (via Kaladhungi) This is one of India's best known wildlife sanctuaries. Commemorating the celebrated hunter- conservator Jim Corbett, it spreads over 526 sq km of forest area. The wildlife here consists of tiger, panther, wild bear, sloth bear, elephants, deer python, and crocodiles among others. An astonishing number(585) of bird species have been spotted in the park.

Lake at Nainital

Nainital is also known as 'Lake Paradise'. In its beautiful 'lakes', option of boating through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing boats are available. Nainital has several lakes close by - Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal. Sat Tal (seven lakes) is 22 km from Nainital.

Lake of Naini : Sati, Lord Shiva's consort committed suicide at the yagna of Daksha Prajapati. When Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body, Sati's eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred.

Naukuchia Lake : Just four kms from Bhimtal is lake with nine corners.Hence it is known as the Naukutchia lake. This is an ideal place to spend your holidays and relax. The lake is full of lotus and is surrounded by forest with a backdrop of the mountains. All these create an ideal condition to enjoy boating in here or sit on the banks and feel the breeze coming from the lake.

Must do at Nainital

Bhowali: (Visit to this place is a must for Lung patients) Bhowali is 11 kms away from Nainital on the Haldwani- Almora Road. It is quite famous as a market known for its variety of fruits. This place is said to be good for those patients who ail from problems of the lungs.